Hodge advances to World U20 200m finals in Lima

BVI’s Adaejah Hodge is poised to make history as she competes in the women’s 200-meter final at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, later today.

The 18-year-old, who won her heat and semifinal races, aims to secure the first gold medal for the territory at the event.

She narrowly edged out China’s Liu Yinglan, who finished second with a time of 23.30 seconds.

Hodge finished second overall to Australia’s Torrie Lewis, who clocked 23.14 seconds to win the third semifinal. The top two runners from each of the three semifinal races, along with the next two quickest times, advanced to the final.

Jamaica’s Shanoya Mikalia Douglas, Australia’s Jessica Milat (the winner of the first semifinal), U.S. hurdler Elise Cooper, Great Britain’s Renee Regis, and U.S.A.’s Taylor Snaer all advanced to the finals.

The final race is scheduled for tonight at 7:35 PM BVI time. Hodge, who also won a silver medal in the women’s 100-meter dash at the championships, is a strong contender for the gold medal.